In a massive crackdown described as “historic,” Gujarat Police detained more than 1,000 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants during sweeping combing operations in Ahmedabad and Surat. This landmark move, announced by Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi on Saturday, marks the state’s most extensive effort to date against illegal immigration.
Addressing the media after a high-level meeting with senior police officials, Sanghavi revealed that 890 Bangladeshis were apprehended in Ahmedabad alone, while another 134 were detained in Surat. The operation, meticulously planned and executed during the early hours around 3 am, involved multiple police teams staying active throughout the night.
“This is the biggest operation of its kind by the Gujarat Police. We have achieved a historic success in nabbing illegal Bangladeshis,” Sanghavi declared proudly during his media interaction in Surat.
Warning to Illegal Immigrants and Their Protectors
Sending a strong message, the minister urged all illegal immigrants residing in Gujarat to surrender voluntarily. He emphasized that failing to do so would lead to inevitable arrest and deportation. Furthermore, Sanghavi warned of stringent legal action against individuals or organizations found sheltering or assisting these immigrants.
“Those providing refuge to illegal immigrants will not be spared. Legal consequences await anyone involved in aiding their stay,” he asserted.
Fake Documents and Links to Criminal Networks
The investigation so far has uncovered that the detainees used fake documents, primarily obtained from West Bengal, to enter and settle in different parts of India before reaching Gujarat. Sanghavi pointed out the grave national security risks involved.
“Many of these individuals have ties to drug cartels, human trafficking rings, and even terror sleeper cells, as recent arrests have proven,” he said, referring to previous cases where Bangladeshi nationals were linked to Al Qaeda activities.
Background verification processes have been initiated for each detainee to assess their involvement in any unlawful activities. Authorities are also scrutinizing the fake documentation networks that enabled their illegal migration.
Swift Deportation and Inter-State Coordination
Director General of Police Vikas Sahay confirmed that the nationality of each detainee is being verified through documents and other corroborative evidence. Once confirmed, swift deportation procedures will be carried out in coordination with the Central Government and Border Security Force (BSF).
“We are making every effort to ensure their deportation happens as quickly as possible,” Sahay told reporters in Ahmedabad.
Additionally, the Gujarat government plans to provide concrete evidence to West Bengal authorities regarding the fraudulent document syndicates operating within their state.
Broader Crackdown in Gujarat
The crackdown on illegal Bangladeshi immigrants is not limited to Ahmedabad and Surat. Harsh Sanghavi disclosed that police teams across Gujarat have been instructed to intensify their vigilance and operations. A separate directive has been issued asking Pakistani nationals residing without valid permits to leave Gujarat immediately, aligning with decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security.
“It is the duty of the Gujarat government to ensure that no foreign national resides illegally in our state,” Sanghavi affirmed while lauding the dedication of the police forces who stayed active in the field throughout the night.
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